The best gear for the rugged outdoorsman: holiday 2017

1. CenterDrive multitool by Gerber

It’s one thing to have screwdriver heads on your multi-tool, but another matter entirely to actually use the damn thing on tight or rusty screws in the field. Gerber’s genius CenterDrive multi-tool solves the leverage problem with the magnetic, center-axis driver arm, which positions the screw bit at the center of the tool’s rotation. Factor in the usual multi-tool accouterments—one-hand-opening pliers, locking straight and serrated blades—and this American-made essential is sure to find a place on your regular tool belt rotation. ($119, gerbergear.com)

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2. Thunderhead Submersible Backpack by Fishpond

Fishpond’s brand-new Thunderhead pack was designed for fly fishermen, but its ergonomic design and totally waterproof exterior make it ideal for any acquatic endeavor: multi-day canoe portages, offshore tuna tournaments, or simply a long commute in Seattle.

Even better: When you’re cleaning all the fish blood and scales off your gear after a long day on the water, you can just hose it down. The adjustable hip belt keeps the pack secure on your body, while daisy chains and an included pair of gear straps make it easy to pair it with Fishpond’s other gear or your favorite fishing rod. As they say: Just add water. ($299, fishpondusa.com)

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3. Axis rechargeable headlamp by Princeton Tec

No more fiddling with the button to figure out how to operate the brightness levels on this new headlamp—its handy dial lets you dim it with ease and quickly access the spotlight, floodlight, and red lamp. The included lithium-ion battery is USB-rechargeable, so you’ll save bucks on battery replacements. ($59.95, rei.com)

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4. Quad Pro 800L LED lantern by Coleman

This cleverly designed lantern has four detachable LED light panels about the size of a smartphone. Each one has a magnetic back you can use to attach to metal surfaces, and a kickstand in the back so you use them for hands-free operation. ($109.99, coleman.com)

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5. Pulaski Axe by Barebones Living

A solid hatchet or small axe is an important tool in the outdoors, and this handsome combo tool from Barebones Living is one of our favorites. Its high-carbon steel head has a splitting side and mattock blade for digging that can handle almost any camp chore. And thanks to its steel core, which runs through the beech handle and is secured by hex nut to the head, it’ll stand up to the toughest backcountry conditions. ($135, barebonesliving.com)

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6. 120i battery chainsaw by Husqvarna

In the woods, a chainsaw can help you quickly assemble piles of wood for burning. Traditional gas saws, while certainly good enough for pro lumberjacks, can be finicky to start and are loud as hell. Next time you need to process a bunch of small logs at a campsite, take this clean-running and quiet 120i chainsaw—it hits all the right marks, thanks to its long-lasting lithium-ion battery; brushless, high-torque motor; and tool-less, easy-to-adjust chain. ($299.95, husqvarna.com)

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7. Eldris Neck Knife Kit by Morakniv

This special survival kit from legendary Morakniv features the Eldris knife, which has a stout, 2mm-thick blade that’s only 59cm long but is made from high-quality Swedish stainless steel for long-lasting sharpness. Added in are a paracord lanyard, additional sheath lock, and fire starter to make this compact cutting and surviving tool an essential piece of kit when combatting the outdoors. ($49.99, industrialrev.com)

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8. 4-legged Mantis chair by Alite

Relax in ultimate outdoor comfort with this sturdy and lightweight chair from Alite. The frame is made out of tough and flexible aluminum tent poles that are color-coded for easy setup. It sits higher than most minimalist camp chairs, and can hold up to 250lbs while only weighing in at less than two. ($120, alitedesigns.com)

9. MegaBoom Bluetooth speaker by Ultimate Ears

The outdoors is resplendent with all of nature’s soothing (and sometimes scary) sounds, but it’s nice to have your own tunes pumping when hanging around the fire with friends. The UE MegaBoom won’t disappoint at your next campsite party, thanks to its 360° speaker that sends out deep bass and crisp highs. It’s also totally waterproof and is covered in a hard-wearing rubber coating. ($299.99, tmobile.com)

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10. Stellar Beanie by Sunday Afternoons

Toss that raggedy and hole-ridden polyester hat and graduate to the Stellar Beanie. Made from a soft merino wool blend with acrylic for strength, you can rock the starry side with astronomical features like the Big Dipper and North Star (they even glow!), or flip it inside out to gray if want to save your astrological affinity for later. ($34, sundayafternoons.com)

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11. Classic gloves by Giv’r

Based off the quintessential leather work gloves your old man used, these “gloves of a 100 uses” will last for years. You can take them from the wood pile to the slopes with no problem—they’re wax-treated for a weatherproof seal and lined for warmth. Each pair is made to order at their shop in Jackson Hole, WY, and you can even have them branded by hand with your initials. ($45, give-r.com)

13. Granit shirt by Fjallraven

A great wool shirt is a must whether splitting wood in the backyard or hanging out with your buds fishing. This updated version from Fjallraven is constructed from a wool blend with acrylic and polyester for long life and strength. Plus, the Granit features abrasion-resistant G-1000 reinforced panels over the shoulders to shrug off brushy branches and pointy thorns. ($150, fjallraven.us)

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14. Camber 105 pants by Mountain Khakis

Just say no to those swishy and silly all-synthetic hiking pants that make you feel like you should be breakdancing on the trail, and go for some stylish pants from Mountain Khakis. Made from cotton with a bit of Spandex for stretch, these twill pants will conform to any activity with a generous gusset in the crotch, knees cut for maximum articulation, and a handy smartphone pocket on the right thigh to keep you connected in the field. ($69.95, mountainkhakis.com)

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15. First Light Hoody by Black Diamond

If you’re skinning up trails or climbing steep terrain, you need a warm jacket with maximum breathability. The First Light is designed to keep you toasty while still dry inside, no matter the effort. Its PrimaLoft Silver Insulation Active won’t move around in the baffles, and the shell is made from robust but lightweight Schoeller fabric to ward off rips and tears. ($249, blackdiamondequipment.com)

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16. Icarus jacket by Montane

Down puffer coats have been the gold standard for lightweight warmth, but they typically can’t handle moisture well, paving the way for new synthetic fills that compress like feathers and work when wet. The Icarus jacket’s PrimaLoft ThermoPlume tech imitates down’s structure and replicates its best properties. A wind- and water-resistant shell made from Pertex will keep all but the rainiest conditions at bay. ($190, montane.co.uk)

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17. Cayambe soft shell jacket by Mishmi Takin

A quality soft shell gives you an all-in-one solution for those times when you don’t want to carry a shell and a puffy. This one from new company Mishmi Takin is made for keeping you warm and dry when exercising intensely outdoors with a water- and wind-proof three-layer, four-way stretch outer shell with fully taped seams that face out, and a light but warm fleece lining. ($250, mishmitakin.com)

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18. Original Universal Premier by Teva

For serious hikers, there's nothing more iconic or utilitarian than Tevas. We're digging the Original Universal Premier, an ode to the first "sandal" that was MacGyvered by a Grand Canyon river guide in 1984 using two Velcro watchbands. This iteration is quick to dry once wet, easy to adjust if you're traipsing around a campsite or scaling rocks along a river (a grippy rubber outsole prevents slips), and just plain comfortable. A plush footbed cradles your dogs after a long day's journey in boots. Plus, you can wear 'em with socks in the cooler months, then air out your dogs in spring and summer. ($80,teva.com)

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19. X Ultra 3 Mid GTX boots by Salomon

If you like fast, light hiking with a comfortable boot—and who doesn’t?—this new pair from Salomon should be on your list. Why we like it: The flexible foam heel cup supports your soles, the breathable sock liner gives your feet some air, and the innovative chassis offers better control and foot protection. Factor in the grippy outer sole, Gore-Tex liner, and its availability in wide sizes—hallelujah—and you have yourself a winner. Available December 1. ($165, rei.com)

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20. Sueno sleeping bag by Cotopaxi

There’s a flood of great sleeping bags out there, but this sweet bag from Cotopaxi has lots of cool little details that make it stand out. Its 800-fill down is rated to 15°F, and features an insulated inner smartphone pocket and a neat top pocket where you can stuff clothes to create a pillow. There are two zippers—a long one on the right and another half the length on the left—so you can fully fold down the top half on warmer nights. ($349.95, cotopaxi.com)

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21. Beast28 backpack by Matador

Gifting a backpack is a great way to invite someone on a shared outdoor adventure. The Beast28 fits the bill because it packs up small—about the size of a water bottle—but has all the features you’d want in a technical pack: lip pocket, hydration sleeve, compression straps, lumbar padding, hip belt, water-resistant shell, and plenty of gear straps. ($89.99, matadorup.com)

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22. Field #8 Cast Iron Skillet from Best Made Co.

A man's gotta eat. And whether he's camping somewhere out in the woods or hiking the Appalachian Mountains, that's always going to be true. Give your buddy (or heck, yourself) the gift of great campfire food with this premium-quality cast iron skillet from Best Made Co. Weighing in at just over 4lbs, this skillet will make an essential, lightweight addition to any trail pack (or home kitchen), and is tough enough to last a lifetime. ($100, bestmadeco.com)

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23. Siro 50L backpack by Kelty

Internal frame backpacks are great, except until you stuff some gear in them—then you have to excavate everything to find whatever unlucky sweatshirt you packed first. This neat new pack from Kelty solves that with a burly zipper down the front that allows easy and instant access to any bottom feeders. The big “shark’s mouth” opening at the top offers improved packing, and the stretch water bottle pockets on the hip belt let you stash a wide variety of hydration containers. ($199.95, kelty.com)

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24. Feather Light 917 boots by Danner

When you want to relax around camp or stalk city streets but still look pretty damn sharp, slip on a pair of Danners. The classically styled Feather Light 917 boots feature cutting-edge comfort with an upper made with full-grain leather and suede inserts, combined with a Vibram outsole made with durable XS Trek rubber compound. A Gore-Tex liner and removable OrthoLite footbed means you’ll always be comfortable in these slick sneakerboots, no matter the conditions. ($240, danner.com)

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25. Sweet Suite 2 tent by Sierra Designs

You don’t need to skimp on comfort by slavishly adhering to ultra-light principles with this livable and lightweight tent from Sierra Designs. At around 3lbs you get lots of headspace thanks to pre-bent poles that make the walls steep, two vestibules created by a fly that can be rolled back halfway from either side, and an innovative and easy storage solution called the “Burrito Bag” that eliminates the morning ritual of cramming a hastily folded tent into a tight stuff sack. ($369.95, sierradesigns.com)

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26. Gear S3 Frontier smartwatch by Samsung

This durable smartwatch has got everything (and yes, we mean everything) you need to stay connected, but is tough enough to withstand a hike through the Appalachians or a week of camping in the great outdoors.

With the Gear S3 Frontier from Samsung, you'll get military-grade durability, a heart rate tracker, wireless charging, built-in GPS, as well as the ability to make hands-free calls thanks to a nifty built-in microphone and speaker. See? We weren't kidding when we said it had everything. ($349.99, samsung.com)

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27. WindBurner Stove System by MSR

When the wind is whipping through the scrub pines, boiling a pot of water can suddenly become a colossal engineering challenge. This new MSR stove, however, defeats gusts with an integrated diffuser that’s wrapped up in an enclosed, windproof design. The included pot locks onto the stove and comes with a folding fuel canister stand, so no tipped meals will ruin your well-deserved dinner. ($139.95–$159.95, msrgear.com)

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28. BeFree Water Filtration System by Katadyn

Water filter systems have evolved from elaborate, hand-forced affairs that took forever to pump (and subsequently clean). Modern all-in-one creations, like this award-wining one from Katadyn, are easy to use and wash off. The BeFree systems all feature a squeezable, collapsible container topped with a .01 micron microfilter cap that will comfortably filter around 1,000L per canister at about 2L per minute, doubling the flow of most other filters. To clean it, simply flush the filter in clean water. ($39.95–$59.95, kataydn.com)

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29. Mini Sawtooth Rod by Tenkara Rod Co.

There are few things more frustrating to the backcountry angler than stumbling upon a clear and clean trout stream when you’re without your rod and reel. Pack a tenkara package like this one from Tenkara Rod Co. and you’ll never miss an opportunity to slay some fish. The 13.5", 1.1-oz, carbon-fiber rod telescopes out to reach 8’8”, and can handle any fish up to 1lb using Japanese tenkara fishing techniques. ($179, tenkararodco.com)

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30. All Adventure Camp Blankets by Kammok

Hammock gurus Kammok recently came out with its next camping coup: a three-blanket system that will make any adventure an exercise in ultimate comfort. The warmest blanket, the Mountain, is made from water-shedding fleece; the next level, the Field, is a microfleece blanket covered in a waterproof shell; and the final layer, called the Mesa, is a lightweight, waterproof mat or tarp with tough Hypalon corners. The Mountain and the Field also have side snaps and a head slit for wear as a poncho. ($49–$247, kickstarter.com)

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31. Thermo Vortex 6” WTPF by Merrell

Plow through snowy trails without slowing down: Merrell's innovative shoe is a hybrid between a boot and a trail runner. Deep-set lugs offer superior traction, while an impenetrable waterproof membrane seals out snow, slush, and rain. There's a snowshoe strap ridge to give you that added bit of stability and the tongue shields your ankles from debris. These are a must for any outdoor enthusiast who trains all-year long. ($140, merrell.com)

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32. Screeline Hybrid Full-Zip jacket by REI Co-op

Whenever you're outside—whether in your backyard or a jaunt through the Great Smoky Mountains—it’s important to have a great all-around mid-weight layer like the Screeline Hybrid. This jacket can easily be your base most of the time, giving you warmth with light Polartec Power Grid fleece panels and strategically placed nylon areas to protect you from windy conditions. The lightweight jacket also breathes well to prevent you from overheating too easily on the trail. ($89.95, rei.com)

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33. 100th Anniversary Chore Coat by Carhartt

This coat holds up to your standard Carhartt-tough expectations with rugged rivet-reinforced pockets and robust triple-stitched seams, but with new special anniversary touches like the 100%-wool lining from the 150-year-old Faribault Woolen Mills and vintage heart patch logo. Though it would easily stand up to the rigors of life in the workshop or out on the farm, it just right for gathering wood and creating the perfect campfire. It comes in the standard duck canvas or a dressier denim, and this iconic coat is still made in the USA. ($129.99, carhartt.com)

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34. Ridge boots by Danner

Danner has long been known for making some of the toughest and most iconic boots around. This simple, stylish boot is an updated version of their classic Danner Light hiking boot but made with new construction techniques and a low-profile Vibram outer sole that help shed about 20% of the original weight. They are equally great for around-town strolling because they look super sharp, and they are comfy and rugged enough to tackle any backcountry trails. The Ridge is also made in their Portland, OR, factory with a full-grain leather and waxed canvas upper, and is fully lined with Gore-Tex to brave any stream splashes. ($360, danner.com)